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PNM and PIP empower female farmers with financial and agricultural skills
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(Courtesy of PNM)
I
n a bid to enhance economic resilience and human resources in the agricultural sector, PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) in Padang, West Sumatra, in partnership with the Government Investment Center (PIP), held a large-scale business capacity development (PKU) event. The event took place on Oct. 26 at the Emir Hotel Lubuk Sikaping, gathering 300 Mekaar program clients. Under the theme “Inclusive Financial Access, Productive Community”, the event aimed to deepen female farmers’ understanding of financial management and agricultural knowledge.
Recognizing agriculture's pivotal role in supporting local economies, especially in Lubuk Sikaping, a major rice and peanut-producing region, PNM and PIP provided comprehensive training to enhance the financial literacy and agricultural competence of PNM Mekaar clients engaged in farming. Sunar Basuki, PNM’s director of operations, emphasized that this empowerment initiative goes beyond increasing farmers’ incomes; it also aims to strengthen their standing in the broader economic chain.
“Female farmers need more than farming skills alone. With a solid grasp of financial literacy, they can manage their income efficiently, plan future investments and avoid excessive debt risks,” Sunar explained. He also stressed the importance of continuously improving agricultural expertise to ensure that farming practices are not only effective, but sustainable.
The event featured several agricultural experts who shared their knowledge and experience, provided real-world case studies and offered practical tips that participants could apply directly. Support extended beyond skills training to include access to digital technology, helping farmers market their products to a broader audience.
“PNM provides three essential forms of capital to its clients: financial, intellectual and social. Through PKU Akbar, we aim to strengthen our clients’ intellectual capital by teaching them how to manage their businesses more professionally and digitally,” Sunar added. With sound digital literacy, farmers can reach a wider market base, which has the potential to boost their income.
Through initiatives like PKU Akbar, PNM hopes to empower female farmers to become more self-reliant and impactful as agents of change in their communities. PNM and PIP are optimistic that this cross-sector collaboration will drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in West Sumatra.
